Whereas the duly elected Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, remains calm, composed, and respectful of her constitutional boundaries as she waits to be delegated duties by President Peter Mutharika, the same cannot be said of the Second Vice President, Enock Chihana. In what now looks like a one-man show, Chihana seems to be running around the northern region as if he is the President himself — meeting chiefs today, greeting motorists at fuel stations tomorrow — yet doing everything about nothing.
This sudden burst of activity raises a big question: for what purpose? President Mutharika has already imposed strict austerity measures to control spending. Yet, Chihana seems to be on a self-promotional tour, gallivanting across the region like a Siku Transport truck — here today, there tomorrow — burning fuel, time, and perhaps his own political future.
Let’s be clear. Chihana gave up his position as Member of Parliament to become Second Vice President of the Republic. That job, however fancy it sounds, is not a power position — it is a survival position. It comes without any real authority or protection. The only way to survive there is to stay invisible, loyal, and utterly obedient to the man at the top. You don’t outshine the President. You out-praise him. You stay quiet until you are told to speak.
In the political jungle of the DPP, where loyalty is tested by silence and obedience, trying to shine brighter than your master is political suicide. Chihana should remember that the position of Second Vice President is not permanent. It is an appointment, not a right. The President can fire him at any moment — and constitutionally, that would be perfectly legal.
So, a little advice to Mr. Chihana: stop behaving like a street trader from Katapila, hustling for attention. Act like a statesman, or at least pretend to be one. Wait to be delegated, follow protocol, and stay in your lane. Otherwise, you may soon find yourself unemployed and forgotten — another loud politician silenced by his own ambition.
This is the DPP. They don’t play games.
